Irish Rover

Friday, March 7th, 2008
This week we decided to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a little early
and made our way to The Irish Rover Pub.
When we arrived, the place was already full so we grabbed the last available table. The room is simple and spacious with appropriate Irish Shamrock green colored walls that are covered with typical Irish beer { mostly Guinness } posters. There are photos of Ireland everywhere. Because of the size and openness of the room it feels more like an Irish hall than a pub. But that’s a good thing. The space lends itself perfectly to their musical stage. { If you are looking for something more intimate you can go into their adjoining pub. }. When the musicians are not perfoming they have a continuous slideshow playing of someone’s recent trip to “The Homeland” reflecting the beautiful countryside.
The owners, Bobby Vesey and Paul Duffy are long time musicians from the New York City area who were
drawn to Sarasota because of the circus. Circus? Yes, Paul’s family has its roots in the Dublin circus and he felt right at home in our lovely surroundings with John Ringling’s influences. Bobby played the
night we were there along with Mike - the Bohdran player. Can he play that thing! A bohdran is an Irish frame drum that goes back 2000 years it has a goat skin head and is hand held. The sound that emits transports you to the hills of Ireland. “When Irish Eyes are smiling” ……and there were so many of all ages singing along and clapping to the music. Oh to be Irish or at least for the evening. Even we Divas have a little Irish in us. Wednesdays are Bohdran night and many of the patrons had brought along their drums to accompany Bobby for the evening. And who doesn’t know the words to “My Wild Irish Rose”? We don’t ! But we do know all the words to “What Would You Do With a Drunken Sailor”! Check their website or call for their music schedule. It’s mostly Irish influence, for course, except for Tuesday nights they play Jazz.

Now for the food review… An order of Guinness was on tap. Perfect! Ummm! It was so good we
could go for one right now! They have a very nice selection of beers on tap and bottled beers, a few wines and pseudo Irish liqueurs. They have applied for a liquor license and are hopeful that it should be coming through soon. That means Irish Wiskey, and that also means trouble for one Irish Diva who is known to do a little Jig , on tables, no less, whenever the feeling moves her ! The menu has something for everyone, but this was an Irish establishment so we orderd Bangers and Mash, Dublin Fish and Chips, Shepard’s Pie, Chicken Curry over Rice and Irish Soda Bread. Oh, where to start?!! The soda bread is the best we’ve ever had - sweet, moist and delicious. We know …it’s only bread…but sometimes - it’s just the little simple things that make us happy. The Fish with the Fish and Chips was cooked to perfection and very lightly breaded, Chips were average. The Shepard’s Pie - magnificent with a great combination of veggies, gravy, ground beef and mashed potatoes, topped with bacon..watch those arteries!
The Chicken Curry was a tantalizing taste treat with just the right amount of spice and sauce! The B-B-B-Bangers and Mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) were suprisingly delicious and can also be ordered as an appetizer. Portions were modest but sufficient. We have to admit that expectatios were low going in and we were more than willing to just let the Irish music be the star of the evening. But the kitchen proved us wrong and what a treat ! We will be back for the food and the music …and not soon enough! We’ll be the ones leading the dancing among the tables! Of course there are special events planned at The Irish Rover Pub for March 15, 16 and 17. Be sure to head that way to celebrate St.
Patrick’s Day! See you there!
The meal was $21 per person.
The Irish Rover Pub, 6518 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231
941-926-1060 www.IrishRoverSarasota.com